12 Minnesota Lakeside Restaurants With Beautiful Views

Minnesota’s nickname as the Land of 10,000 Lakes isn’t just for show. Across the state, you’ll find incredible restaurants perched right on the water’s edge, where you can enjoy amazing food while watching waves lap against the shore.

I’ve rounded up some fantastic lakeside spots that combine delicious meals with views you won’t forget.

1. The Lake Room

Imagine watching the sun set over Lake Minnetonka while savoring perfectly prepared contemporary American cuisine. Located in Excelsior, this upscale establishment delivers an elegant dining experience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring fresh ingredients shine in every dish. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning water vistas that make every meal feel like a special occasion worth celebrating.

2. ninetwentyfive

Tucked inside Hotel Landing in Wayzata, this gem serves Midwestern fare with unexpected coastal touches that’ll surprise your taste buds. The sophisticated design creates an atmosphere that’s refined without feeling stuffy or pretentious.

Large windows showcase Lake Minnetonka’s beauty from every angle, making it hard to decide what’s more impressive—the view or the food. Seasonal menus mean you’ll discover something new each visit throughout the year.

3. Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge

Since 1968, this Spring Park institution has been serving hungry diners on Lake Minnetonka’s shores. Multiple dining areas mean you can choose your perfect spot, whether that’s the four-season porch or the expansive deck hovering over the water.

The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel at home, from families with kids to couples celebrating anniversaries. Classic menu favorites keep people coming back generation after generation for reliable good times.

4. Maynard’s

Perched at the bottom of Excelsior Bay, this spot has earned legendary status partly because of those famous Italian waffle fries. The large lakeside patio becomes the place to be on warm summer evenings when everyone wants outdoor seating.

Casual American fare dominates the menu, with generous portions that won’t leave you hungry. Watching boats cruise by while munching on appetizers creates the quintessential Minnesota summer experience you’ll want to repeat often.

5. City House

A renovated 1930s grain terminal might seem like an unlikely spot for dinner, but this St. Paul restaurant proves industrial-chic can be stunning. Positioned along the Mississippi River, the space celebrates Minnesota’s craft brewing scene with an impressive beer selection.

Exposed brick and original architectural elements create character you won’t find in newer buildings. River views add natural beauty to the urban setting, blending history and modern dining seamlessly together.

6. Kelly’s Lake House

Lake Pepin’s distant bluffs create a dramatic backdrop that’s hard to beat anywhere in the state. The multi-tiered deck in Pepin lets diners choose their elevation, though every level offers breathtaking water views worth photographing.

Regional craft beers fill an extensive menu that beer enthusiasts will appreciate exploring slowly. Relaxed vibes make this the kind of place where you’ll linger long after finishing your meal, just soaking in the scenery.

7. Lola’s Lakehouse

East Coast seafood meets Midwest hospitality in this lighthouse-inspired building overlooking Lake Waconia. The unique architecture immediately catches your eye, making it a local landmark that’s easy to spot from the water.

Fresh seafood dishes bring coastal flavors to Minnesota’s heartland in creative combinations you won’t expect. Friendly service makes out-of-towners feel welcome while locals keep returning for the winning combination of great food and gorgeous lake panoramas.

8. Bar Harbor Supper Club

Gull Lake provides the stunning backdrop for this elevated supper club experience in Lake Shore. Steaks, chops, pasta, and seafood fill a menu that honors traditional supper club traditions while maintaining high culinary standards.

The refined atmosphere strikes a balance between fancy and comfortable, perfect for special occasions without requiring excessive formality. Watching the lake transform as daylight fades into evening adds romance to any dinner here.

9. Tavern 4 & 5

Mille Lacs Lake stretches endlessly outside the windows of this Isle establishment, creating views that seem to go on forever. The tavern atmosphere keeps things relaxed and approachable, making it perfect for casual gatherings with friends or family.

Comfort food favorites dominate the menu, delivering satisfying meals that hit the spot after a day on the water. Locals and tourists mix easily here, sharing fish stories and recommendations over cold drinks and hot plates.

10. Zorbaz on the Lake

With locations across Minnesota’s lake country, Zorbaz has become synonymous with summer fun and lake life. The laid-back, party-friendly vibe attracts crowds looking for good times, not stuffy formality or pretentious dining experiences.

Pizza and Mexican food might seem like an odd combination, but somehow it works perfectly in this casual setting. Outdoor seating puts you right beside the water, where you can watch boats and jet skis while enjoying affordable, filling food.

11. Al & Alma’s Supper Club

Leech Lake views have drawn diners to this Cass Lake classic for decades, proving that some formulas never go out of style. Traditional supper club fare – think prime rib, walleye, and relish trays – dominates the menu in all the best ways.

The nostalgic atmosphere transports you back to simpler times when supper clubs ruled Minnesota’s dining scene. Generous portions and reasonable prices make this a favorite among families and anyone seeking authentic local flavor.

12. Birch’s on the Lake

Long Lake lives up to its name, and this Wayzata restaurant takes full advantage of the waterfront location. The brewhouse component adds craft beer options that complement the diverse menu perfectly, giving beer lovers plenty to explore.

Patio seating in summer becomes prime real estate, so arrive early if you want those coveted outdoor tables. The combination of house-brewed beers, solid food, and beautiful scenery creates a winning trifecta that’s tough to beat.